Recap of the Story Until Chapter 15:

Valli narrates the story of Narobha’s rise to power, marked by treachery and ambition. He becomes emperor, but his past returns when he brings his first wife, Neeli, and their son Jeyasinghan, to the palace. This revelation shocks Parvata Vardini and creates tension, as Neeli’s influence grows and rumors spread.

Chapter 16: Orchestrated Opinions

Part 1/2 of the novella ‘The cursed keris of Taravati’

Valli threw her small seashells once again, counted the face and back, and went silent within herself. “Human minds wish for something at the cost of blood, Maharani,” she began her delivery.

The humid air hung heavy as Kesi Mami and Janaki Mami made their way back from the Manvi River after their sacred bath for the Aadi-perukku festival. The path was dusty, and the rhythmic swish of their wet sarees was almost the only sound, besides their soft footsteps.

Kesi Mami sighed, adjusting the pot of river water she carried on her hip. “Did you notice, mami? The Rani doesn’t walk to the Bodhisattva temple with the King on the full moon nights anymore.”

Janaki Mami nodded, her brow furrowed. “Yes, it’s been several months now. Remember how they used to go every single time? It was such a beautiful sight.” She paused, glancing around to ensure no one was too close. “People whisper, you know. They say the King spends his time with that Neeli, drinking toddy instead.” A shadow of disapproval crossed her face. “It can’t be easy for our queen, having to go alone. It makes the King look bad, and it makes her look bad too.”

A little further down the path, Kesi Mami spoke again, a touch of wistfulness in her voice. “Time has flown by so quickly, hasn’t it? Our young princes, Pasupati – Tungabhadra’s son – and Parameswara – Narobha’s son –, are married now. Pasupati has that lovely boy, Brahmadasan SriKrishna, such a bright child. And Parameswara has a son and daughter, Anirudhdhan Chandramurti and Sudakshina Vaijayanti.” She smiled, a grandmotherly warmth in her eyes. “Imagine, our Rani is a grandmother now! It feels like just yesterday they were little boys running around the palace.”

Janaki Mami chuckled softly. “Indeed. Life moves on, whether we are ready or not. You too got grey hair. But our queen has raised them well, despite all that has happened. It’s a blessing to see them with families of their own.”

“Yes,” Kesi Mami replied, “the country has been stable for twenty years now. But the tension between the queen’s son, Pasupati, and Neeli’s son Jeyasinghan is noticeable in some areas. And Neeli still causes our queen worry. Even though our queen has brought us peace, I can’t help but wonder how peaceful she herself truly is.” She sighed.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the image of the Queen, now a grandmother, likely lingering in both their minds.

One full moon night, Narobha did not turn up for the temple as usual. Parvata Vardini walked with her grand-kids, looking like a mother hen leading her chicks, their cheerful ‘kweek’.. ‘kweek’.. following her along the way. People were happy to see the young kids and greeted them. One old coconut vendor, Satayan, ran towards the kids SriKrishna, Anirudhdhan, and Sudakshina and offered them tender coconuts. SriKrishna said, “No, I can’t take it. I can’t eat something for free. At the same time, I do not have anything to offer you in return.”

On hearing this, Satayan fell at the foot of Parvata Vardini. “Oh, my mother, you saved my country when the twin murders shook it. You raised your kids and grand-kids with virtue. I have no concern for the next two generations. Taravati will flourish. No doubt..”

“Coconuts are boring… They will spoil in a day or two… Ingots won’t,” the lunatic Sivappi murmured, rudely interrupting their discussion as she passed. “There is no limit to her lunacy,” Satayan threw a coconut shell towards her. “Hey Satayan. Stop! You might hurt her…”

Suddenly, another young boy appeared and challenged Satayan, his voice rising as he said, “I’m hungry! You didn’t give me coconut, but you’re giving it away to them, how?”

“You little spirit. Go get me money.”

“Ey you oldie, I’m hungry! You’re just giving that out for free. Why not me?” The kid stood his ground, unwilling to leave.

“This is for the queen, understand? I am giving it to her. You have no claim to it. Now, leave…”

The boy faced the queen directly. “Hey Ranimma, I’m hungry. You’re the Rani, so you must have lots of food. Give me something to eat. I’m starving.” He rested a hand on his stomach.

“Hey, you little devil! Have you no fear, no sense of who you’re talking to?” Satayan pulled him back.

Smiling at Satayan, Parvata Vardini interjected, “Don’t scold him.” She then turned her attention to the child. “Tell me, boy, what’s your name?”

“I’ll tell you my name, but only after you give me something to eat.”

With a gesture, she asked Satayan to give the boy one, then turned to him. “Don’t you have any fear or respect when speaking to elders and queens?”

Having finished slurping his coconut, the boy, his little stomach now bulging with coconut water, let out a small burp and asked, “Why should I be afraid? Did I do something wrong or what?”

“Alright then,” Parvata Vardini said with a smile. “Now, tell me your name.”

“Panbah,” was his swift reply, and he disappeared with the speed of an arrow. The queen smiled and then addressed Satayan, “Interesting chap, ask his parents to come and see me,” before taking her leave.

Two women from Neeli’s village, standing near the shop, murmured to each other, “Look how life turns… A woman of the streets became the country’s queen.”

“Who are you talking about?” the other lady asked.

“Who else would it be? The one walking over there… Who else is likely to give birth to two kings?”

Lost in their talk, the women didn’t notice Pasupati, Son of Tungabhadra, emerge from the temple. He rushed over and his voice was sharp as he warned, “Only because you are women you escape from my sword now. Else, your head would be rolling by now. Consider this your final warning: leave this country and never return. If I see you again, I will not be so lenient.”

Pasupati’s face flushed crimson; he couldn’t believe anyone would speak of his beloved mother that way.

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Note:

• This fiction is a retelling of a mythology.
• Images generated with ImageFx of Google Gemini.
• Awkward sentences are removed by AI for a smoother reading experience.

Mindmap (Click to zoom)